From production laboratory to microfactory
The OpenLab Microfactory was created to test the distributed, participatory and digital digital production of small to medium-sized series in urban areas. The focus is on the manufacture of products and the further development of specific production capabilities in order to increase the degree of local production.
The Concept
The OpenLab Microfactory describes a factory concept for the local and circular production of high-quality products (of varying complexity and vertical integration) with the involvement of citizens in the production process. As a small-scale, minimally invasive and maximally modular factory unit, the OpenLab Microfactory uses open-source hardware machine tools (such as the OpenLab Starter Kit) as well as open-source software solutions for recording, processing and visualizing process data, such as energy consumption or the operating status of machines. The aim is to achieve data-based operation of the Microfactory. This data helps to make statements about the use of resources and materials. This data should also be provided openly and transparently to show the ecological impact of the Microfactory.
Construction and operation as a “pop-up microfactory”
The concept is currently being developed and tested as a “pop-up” variant. The open-source machine tools developed in the project machine tools developed in the project (see OpenLab Starter Kit) are temporarily set up in different areas and operated for small series production.
Previous setups:
- the future of making Conf + Expo 2023 (#tfom23) - final conference as part of the INTERFACER research project, see INTERFACER website
- EMO Messe Hannover 2023 - trade fair for production technology and machine tools, see blog post
- Pop-Up Circular Hub 2023 - exhibition on the circular economy, see blog post
Current exhibition
The Pop-Up Circular Hub** is currently being set up at **JUPITER until April 30, 2025, where the New Production Institute is presenting practical solutions and product examples with the OpenLab Microfactory concept. These show how decentralized, participatory and digital production methods using open-source hardware machines can drive local value creation in the Hamburg metropolitan region.
In addition to the live demonstration of the OpenLab Microfactory, there will be various exhibitions on the topic of circular economy and we will show you in workshops what can be produced locally in small series!
Opening Hours OpenLab Microfactory at Pop-Up Circular Hub
Tue + Thu, 10-18 h, Mönckebergstr. 2-4, 20095 Hamburg, 2nd floor in JUPITER, former Karstadt sports building
Impressions of the OpenLab Microfactory
Open source hardware, software and data for maximum operational freedom
Open source hardware (OSH) and open source software help to promote innovation and global collaboration, support local production and reduce dependence on global supply chains and individual manufacturers. It also plays an important role in building technological literacy and enables people to actively participate in production and its value creation. This represents a decisive step towards a circular economy that can be actively shaped.
Distributed production networks are highly complex, so the redundant processing of processes must be kept to a minimum, while at the same time the flow of data and information must be kept as cosistent as possible. The use of open-source hardware and software tools makes it possible to design these requirements freely and will be actively researched by the OpenLab Microfactory.
